“What’s All The H.Y.P.E. About?”
Real Support. Real Impact
Helping Young People Elevate
501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering youth through mentorship, violence prevention and intervention, leadership, real-life support
H — Helping hands reach where hope feels lost Y — Young minds learn they are more than their mistakes P — People grow when someone believes in them E — Elevate futures beyond circumstances
Join HYPE Impact Zone in Making a Difference
Our Mission
Our mission is to reach young people where they are, lead with experience and heart, and give them the tools to rise above their environment, make better decisions, build strong character, and create a successful future. H.Y.P.E. is committed to creating safe spaces where youth can heal, grow, and thrive while building pathways to long-term stability, including future housing opportunities for young people in need of support and guidance.
Real Life, Real Change, Real Elevation
Meet Our Founder
Cordell Walker Sr.
Founder, President & CEO
H.Y.P.E.—Helping Young People Elevate—was born from my own life experiences. After spending eight and a half years in prison, I was forced to confront who I was, what I had lost, and the kind of man I wanted to become. Through that reflection, I realized that our youth do not need more pathways leading them toward the same mistakes I once made. They need guidance, support, and real examples of transformation.
H.Y.P.E. was created to provide young people with the resources, mentorship, and encouragement I never had growing up. I understand firsthand what it feels like to lack direction and to believe the streets are the only option. Today, I use my story and the lessons I have learned to show youth that there is a better way forward.
Every program we design, every event we host, and every conversation we share reflects my commitment to helping young people rise above their circumstances. If I was able to elevate my life after everything I endured, then they can elevate theirs as well.
Empowering Our Youth
“Exposure Changes Everything.“
When we connect with those who’ve walked the path, we show these young men that transformation is real. Big Durk didn’t just speak to them—he showed them that no matter where you start, your story can end with purpose. This moment is about passing the torch of hope and elevation
Capturing moments of hope and transformation
Another great event led by Mentor Jazmine for our Young Queens. Real impact, real care. 💜
HYPE Young Queens came together for Mocktails and Pajamas building confidence and sisterhood
A Young Queen enjoying our Mocktails and Pajamas event, building confidence and embracing her moment
A Young Queen creating her own mocktail while building confidence and creativity
A Young Queen enjoying Mocktails and Pajamas while building confidence and having fun
Our Galentine’s event for the Young Queens 💕
More than just fun… this was about connection, love, and lifting each other up
H.Y.P.E. partnered with a local shelter for a bracelet event bringing boys, girls, and parents together to express, connect, and grow
At our ‘Who Am I’ session, our young men built trust in a powerful circle opening up, sharing real conversations, and growing together.
Our first ‘Who Am I’ outing took us to Urban Air, where the young men had a great time, strengthened their bond, and built a true brotherhood through shared experiences.
This is the graduation of our ‘Who Am I’ 4-week program watching them grow from day one to now, every single one finishing. The change, the growth, the brotherhood it’s all right here.
His story brought the room together. That took courage. Proud of him
Good kid, real growth, finished strong
Showed up every time, high participation, finished strong
Proof of growth proof of change proof that he stayed down and finished
Always had something to say, stayed involved and got it done
Youngest in the room but stood tall stayed committed and finished just like the rest
Showed up every time, stayed involved, and got it done
Young but stayed with it and finished strong
Brought the laughs and still handled business
Calm, focused, and handled business
Stayed down stayed committed and finished that’s what it’s about
Stayed locked in trusted the process and finished strong
No shortcuts just stayed down did the work and saw it through
Locked in from start to finish no excuses just growth
Cool laid back but still handled business and finished strong
Stayed locked in and finished. Proud of him
Showed up, stayed consistent, and finished
You can see it on his face… proud moment
Oldest in the group, stepped up as a leader and finished strong
Played it cool at first, but you could tell he was enjoying it. Finished strong
Seen the growth up close. Stayed with it and finished. Proud of him.
THE HYPE WAY!!!
Smiles, learning, and real-life experiences the H.Y.P.E. way.
Fun moments. Positive energy. Real impact.
Giving our youth a safe space to create, express, and just enjoy being themselves. This is H.Y.P.E. 💙🎨
6hrs of Fun Lock in
Where growth, laughter, and real talk meet.
Learning, connecting, and having fun while doing it.
Big link-up with NonStop Growth. Same mission, same heart.
Speaking at Indian River just reminding the youth they still have a chance to change.
1st Annual Back To School Giveaway 200+ Giveaways
H.Y.P.E. turning moments into memories
H.Y.P.E Giving Back To The Community
Press Conference for CeaseFire
HBCU CeaseFire Event
Village keepers of Ohio an Freedom Bloc & H.Y.P.E
Successful 2025 CeaseFire Event
Contact Us
WE’RE HERE FOR OUR YOUTH
Have a question, need support, want to get involved, or want to learn more about H.Y.P.E.? Reach out anytime. H.Y.P.E. is committed to being available for youth, families, and the community when support is needed.
Helping Young People Elevate THE HYPE WAY
P.O. Box 22018 Akron, OH 44302
Our Availability
H.Y.P.E. is community based and does not operate on traditional business hours. We are available throughout the week for youth, families, mentorship, programs, resources and community needs. Contact us anytime and we will respond as soon as possible.
